MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are in familiar territory as they clash in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the all-important encounter.
Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners.
Premier League heavyweights Manchester City and Chelsea do battle for a place in May’s FA Cup final.
The venue is Wembley Stadium, which has virtually become a second home for these two sides in recent years.
And although it’ll be familiar to Chelsea and their talented squad, it won’t exactly be comforting.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have already been to Wembley this year, suffering a 1-0 defeat in February’s Carabao Cup final to Liverpool courtesy of Virgil van Dijk’s header deep into extra time.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues have lost SIX successive Wembley finals but might just fancy their chances of ending that streak against either Manchester United or Coventry City if they can navigate their way past Manchester City on Saturday.
That’s easier said than done, although City’s Champions League exploits could give Chelsea increased hope.
The Cityzens were beaten on penalties against Real Madrid on Wednesday in a dramatic quarter-final at Etihad Stadium, and they must now recover from that gruelling 120-minute encounter to defend their FA Cup title with the lure of a ‘double treble’ evaporated.
They will know, however, that they are unbeaten in eight matches against Chelsea in all competitions, winning six of those with both draws arriving this season.
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
The Cityzens totally outplayed Real Madrid in the midweek encounter despite their defeat, registering 34 efforts on goal and dominating possession with 64% of the ball.
Despite that, City remain on a phenomenal run that’s seen them strike the front of the title race after a run of six wins in seven games (scoring 18 goals and conceding just four) and no defeat since early December 2023.
Chelsea were electric during their 6-0 win on Monday, but that was against an extremely poor Everton side who still conjured up an xG of 1.39. Before that, Mauricio Pochettino’s side had conceded at least 2+ goals in each of their previous seven.
I always favour a Bernardo Silva bookings in the big games, and he quite often delivers at a sizeable price.
The Portuguese magician, 29, arrives having missed his crucial penalty in Wednesday’s shootout, and could well harbour some frustration.
He’s collected eight bookings in 41 appearances this season, with one of those arriving against Chelsea in their last meeting.
He’s been booked most against Liverpool (7), Arsenal (5) and Manchester United (4), with Chelsea next on that list with three cautions in 16 career games.
It’s so difficult to look beyond Cole Palmer to get on the scoresheet for Chelsea.
The England star netted FOUR against Everton earlier this week, taking his season tally to 23 goals in 38 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City.
He’s scored ten goals in his last five league appearances, and there’s absolutely no doubt (apparently) that he’ll remain on penalty duties for the foreseeable future.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. When you sign-up via Mobile using promo code P40 and place a bet of £10 or more we will give you 4x £10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.
*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.
